Alfred Tuah Yeboah, the Deputy Attorney General, has strongly denied allegations that protesters arrested during the Democracy Hub demonstration were denied access to their lawyers.
He emphasised his office’s commitment to investigating the matter if any protester was indeed denied legal representation.
The protesters, who demonstrated against illegal mining, popularly called galamsey from September 21 to 23, accused the police of blocking access to lawyers and families before the court hearing.
The incident has sparked outrage, with former President John Mahama criticising the “high-handedness” of the Ghana Police Service and calling for the protesters’ immediate release.
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has also condemned the treatment of the protesters, describing it as “harsh” and “draconian”.
However, Tuah Yeboah maintained that there’s no evidence to support claims that arrested suspects were restricted from accessing their lawyers until the court hearing on September 24.
During an interview with Selorm Adonoo on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue on Saturday, September 28, the Deputy Attorney General said; “I have no evidence or our office has no evidence about some accused persons not being given the right to have access to a counsel.
“The right to a lawyer for an accused person is a fundamental right. And so anyone who is restricted, impugned or arrested has the right under the constitution to a lawyer of his/her choice, that right of access is something that cannot be traded.
“So, as I speak, we have no evidence to that effect, but if it did happen, definitely, it’s something that we will look into. Because it’s the fundamental right of every person arrested to have a lawyer of his/her choice and be given that access to consult his/her lawyer.”
Background
A peaceful protest turned violent between September 21-23 when demonstrators clashed with police. The Ghana Police Service accused protesters of blocking roads, dismantling barriers, obstructing traffic, and burning properties at 37 Roundabout in Accra. Currently, 53 protesters are remanded; 9 are in prison and the rest are in police custody.
The prosecution denies mistreating the accused, insisting they receive proper care. During the bail hearing, defence lawyers sought release, citing harsh conditions. However, prosecutors countered that the accused received adequate food, including meals from the popular local restaurant Papaye. This sparked defence outrage.
Prosecutors opposed bail, citing concerns over unknown addresses. The judge denied bail applications, remanding protesters until October 8.
Following court proceedings, remanded protesters expressed dissatisfaction by singing patriotic songs. This follows Oliver Barker-Vormawor and 12 Democracy Hub members’ two-week remand in police custody, awaiting their October 8 court appearance.
